Time out is the best gift we can give ourselves ... time in. Checking in, letting go. On the other spectrum is the gift of being seen and/or seeing another, and being there for each other. While I was laying here on my bed I see a FB post of my friend Romio, a little while after speaking with him (in Nepal) on facebook chat ... "OMG the earth is moving!" Since then we've all seen the devastation. Romio and his family are OK in body ... "My soul is crying!"The Nepalese people are very compassionate, resourceful and help each other, yet I'm sure many of you have heard how the corrupt government is stealing aid! OYE!

My family/friends immediately put together a relief team and have already reached and supported over 5000 people in remote villages and continue on the ground every day. Christine lived for 13 years in Nepal and has a company there for many years since, Cheppu Himal, of goods made in. Nepal (which gives out school scholarships). Her son Bodhi is one of my favorite "sons", here's his words...

"I was born and raised in Kathmandu. There is no choice for me but to take action in support of the country I love and the people I care for. Sadly, I have done this before. In the wake of the 2004 tsunami that claimed my home and many of my friends, I started a grassroots relief organization that grew to encompass 15 villages, 120 projects, and a budget of over $4 million USD.

I am helping co-create this effort because I trust and believe in the people we will support - we know who they are, and we will figure out how to help them."

Any amount donated will be a direct relief to someone ... along with the feeling of being connected and embraced by the larger world.

May this "Shiva" destruction lead to the creation of more sustainable architecture and comfortable living conditions for the expanded population that has outgrown the old forms.

And may the Temples be rebuilt keeping the heart of the city beating, with the sacred seeds from the past, planted into the future.

At our Temples of love and beauty, it is our intention to see and serve you. We have a large selection and stylists that can help you navigate through it all, offer our input and hear your needs.

Mothers day is like a time out/in for moms ... many have enjoyed sharing it at Outback over the years.

There are 2 more events coming up the following week, which I may get a reminder out about (or not). A special evening in Ashland on Thursday May 14th from 6-8, and the free Jazz fest on 4th st on Sunday May 17th.